Tribbett’s First MLS Finish Keeps Union Rolling

Late strike by 2015 USL Rookie of the Year finalist maintains club's undefeated streak

Photo courtesy Philadelphia Union

ORLANDO, Fla. – Last Friday, it was former Harrisburg City Islander Richie Marquez who came up with his first MLS goal to earn the Philadelphia Union victory against D.C. United.

On Wednesday night, the man who replaced Marquez last season at the heart of the City Islanders’ defense became the latest to come up trumps for Coach Jim Curtin’s side, as 2015 USL Rookie of the Year finalist Ken Tribbett's first goal in MLS earned the Union a 2-2 draw against Orlando City SC.

Tribbett tallied with 15 minutes to go, after fellow former USL standout Kevin Molino had helped the Lions rally back to take the lead with two goals in four minutes moments before. Tribbett pounced on a loose cross in the penalty area by Tranquillo Barnetta to put home the equalizer, and allowed the Union to extend their undefeated streak to six games.

"I was at the right place at the right time. It’s one of those classic goals where the ball just followed my foot and I was able to put it in," Tribbett said after the match. “It’s great to get back out there with the boys. It’s what you want to do as a professional, to be able to step in in a moment of need for the team and play pretty well and I was excited to do it.”

Tribbett came on at the start of the second half for the Union after missing out recently due to injury, and his timing might not have been better with the side set to head to Colorado this weekend to face the Rapids. A native of Centennial, Colo., the 24-year-old has been looking forward to the chance to return home since signing this offseason.

“I’m ecstatic,” Tribbett said. “It’s one of the places I’ve been looking forward to the most to go play and now I think we’re headed there on a high and it’s going to be a fun trip.”